Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mas | [ˈmaːs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈmas] (narrow) |
masculine |
| vir | [ˈwɪr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈvir] (narrow) |
masculine |
In Latin, the word for 'male' can be expressed through different forms depending on whether you are referring to biological sex or social identity. The term mas refers to a human of the masculine sex or gender. Related adjectives include masculus and mās, which mean 'belonging to the sex which typically produces sperm or the gender typically associated with it'. Specifically, masculus can also mean 'having an external plug'.
Which one should you use?
There is a nuance between biological sex and social status. mas is used to refer to biological sex. In contrast, vir is used to denote an adult male with social, moral or character-based qualities, such as a 'manly' man. Additionally, vir can mean 'husband' or 'a brave man'.
Related words
Did you know?
- Historically, some theorists linked mas to the Greek word meîrax, which surprisingly refers to a 'young girl'.
- The Latin term mas has a mysterious origin that linguists still debate, as its phonetic structure does not easily match the theories used to explain it.
Examples in context
- Et creavit Deus hominem ad imaginem suam, ad imaginem Dei creavit illum, masculum et feminam creavit eos.And God created man to his own image: to the image of God he created him: male and female he created them.This sentence is useful for seeing the use of the adjective form of mas in a biblical context.Tatoeba #7930933 by carlosalberto, translation #7930935 by carlosalberto
- Et ex cunctis animantibus universæ carnis bina induces in arcam, ut vivant tecum, masculini sexus et feminini.And of every living creature of all flesh, thou shalt bring two of a sort into the ark, that they may live with thee: of the male sex, and the female.This sentence demonstrates the use of the adjective form of mas regarding biological sex.Tatoeba #7952035 by carlosalberto, translation #7952043 by carlosalberto
- Masculus, cuius præputii caro circumcisa non fuerit, delebitur anima illa de populo suo, pactum meum irritum fecit.The male whose flesh of his foreskin shall not be circumcised, that soul shall be destroyed out of his people: because he hath broken my covenant.This sentence shows the use of the adjective form of mas in a legal or ritual context.Tatoeba #7760434 by carlosalberto, translation #7853950 by carlosalberto
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia and Quintus are discussing a newborn baby.
- AureliaEstne puer an puella?Is it a boy or a girl?
- QuintusHic infantulus est mas.This little infant is a male.
- AureliaGratulor tibi, Quinte!I congratulate you, Quintus!
- QuintusGratias tibi ago, Aurelia.I thank you, Aurelia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “male” translations and entries mas, vir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mas, vir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
